The Channel 4 studio discussion, which airs tonight at 10pm, will feature a range of guests with a variety of views, who are looking at what gender means in 2018

The debate will discuss topics including: what defines our gender identity, how that affects our rights, should it be easier to change gender and does gender matter anyway?

Hosted by Channel 4 News’ Cathy Newman, the debate will also feature a number of panelists with a variety of views, including social activist and transgender model Munroe Bergdorf, leading feminist and academic Germaine Greer and Olympic gold medal winner and television personality, Caitlyn Jenner.

Channel 4 Commissioning Editor Shaminder Nahal said: “This debate will stimulate important and insightful discussion with a wide variety of views from the panel and audience. Issues around gender now have a prominent position in the national conversation, with strong feeling n all sides.

“Channel 4 is well known for exploring challenging and emotive issues in a fair and balanced way, and with this programme we want to help audiences understand and engage in these multifaceted issues.”

Caitlyn Jenner has also been named keynote speaker at the annual lecture hosted by Channel 4 in the House of Commons, which takes place tomorrow (9 May). The lecture was set up three years ago by Channel 4 as an opportunity for high-profile figures to speak out publicly on the importance of diversity in the entertainment industry. Previous speakers include Riz Ahmed and Idris Elba.

Genderquake season

Genderquake: The Debate is part of a whole season of programmes on Channel 4 exploring the current gender debate. Kicking off with Genderquake, a two-part reality show in which 11 people, all with differing views and attitudes on sex and gender, will become housemates.

While this has been compared to Big Brother, the purpose is totally different: Genderquake aims to shine a light on and encourage discussion about gender fluidity and sexuality.

Also showing as part of the season is What Makes a Woman? a documentary in which Munroe Bergdorf examines the changing world of gender and identity in today’s society.

The documentary will follow Bergdorf as she undergoes facial feminisation surgery as part of tackling her gender dysphoria, interrogates the wider science and social norms of gender, as well as having her own views challenged by those with opposing thoughts and opinions.

Bergdorf said: “I’m beyond excited to share this documentary with everybody. The question ‘What Makes a Woman?’ has followed me throughout my life, so filming has been an emotional and turbulent journey of finding answers, and discovering if any finite answers even exists. I’m looking forward to being challenged and hope this documentary sparks debate and challenges perceptions.”

Other programmes include Riot Girls, a hidden camera prank show in which comedians - Grace Campbell, Sophie Duker, Jen Wakefield and Cam Spence - will tackle a variety of topical issues like the Gender Pay Gap and the #SaveDon’tShave movement, and Random Acts: The Lady That Dances, a collaboration with ballet dancers Sophie Rebecca and spoken word artist Ash Palmisciano exploring the theme of transition.

Discussing the season, Channel 4’s Deputy Director of Programmes Kelly Webb-Lamb said: “The issues around gender and gender identity are some of the most charged and hotly debated of our time. Through a collection of entertaining, thoughtful and provocative programmes, this season will feature a broad range of inspiring people who add their varied and informative voices to the wider debate.”

You can catch-up with the first part of Genderquake on 4od, with part two airing tonight on Channel 4 at 9pm, followed by Genderquake: The Debate at 10pm.

For more information on gender transition, you can read our articles by counsellors Anna Jezuita and Noel Bell; A Family Guide to Transition and How to Support a Loved One as they Come Out as Trans.

For further support and to find a professional near you, visit Counselling Directory.